How much sun does Padre's shootingstar need?

Padre's shootingstar grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Padre's shootingstar bloom?

Padre's shootingstar blooms in February, March, and April.

Where is Padre's shootingstar native?

Padre's shootingstar (Primula clevelandii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Padre's shootingstar attract?

Padre's shootingstar draws bees.

Padre's shootingstar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Primula clevelandii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Padre's shootingstar (Primula clevelandii) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Padre's shootingstar (Primula clevelandii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–10" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A small bulb called Cleveland's shooting star, with a low rosette of narrow leaves and slender stalks carrying nodding magenta-purple flowers with swept-back petals in early spring, then going dormant by early summer.

Growing Padre's shootingstar

Grow Padre's shootingstar in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 3 to 6 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its early spring flowers are buzz-pollinated by native bees, an important nectar source before most other plants bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Padre's shootingstar need?: Padre's shootingstar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Padre's shootingstar bloom?: Padre's shootingstar blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is Padre's shootingstar native?: Padre's shootingstar (Primula clevelandii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Padre's shootingstar attract?: Padre's shootingstar draws bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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